We meet your expectations, every step of the way.
As your attorney, we consider ourselves a partner in your progress. To ensure we’re able to prepare your case, we ask you to be sure to keep us informed of developments in your medical care (including tests, injections, surgery, visits with specialists or release from your doctor’s care), your ability to return to work or any change in your address or telephone number.
What you can do.
It is important that you attend your scheduled appointments with doctors, physical therapists and others involved in your medical care. Be sure to follow your treatment plan. It is equally important that you tell your doctor how you feel – accurately and completely. You may want to make notes to help you remember what you want to say to or ask your doctor.
What if my vehicle has been damaged?
Most insurance companies will pay you for the repairs necessary to return your vehicle to the condition it was in immediately before the accident. While your car is being repaired, the insurance company will usually provide you with a rental vehicle for a “reasonable length of time,” typically a week. However, you will most likely be required to pay for the daily insurance on the rental vehicle. Check to see if your auto insurance policy has rental insurance.
What if my vehicle is totaled?
If your vehicle is totaled, you will need to begin looking for a comparable replacement vehicle right away. This means one that is about the same age, with similar mileage, accessories and condition. In this case, the insurance company will usually provide you with a rental car for about a week while you look.
What if I am injured in an accident?
Even after the property damage issues have been resolved, your claim may not be completed until you have recovered from any injury you may have suffered. Once you and your doctor decide that you have reached a plateau in your recovery, we will acquire a final medical report concerning your medical condition, care, treatment and any physical impairment. Together, we will determine if your case is ready for settlement. You will also be advised of any offer made and have the opportunity to approve or refuse it.
What if my claim cannot be settled?
If the offer made by the insurance company is inadequate, then a lawsuit may be filed. This litigation process takes about a year. During this time, we will do everything possible to keep your lawsuit moving as quickly as possible. However, the process of preparing a case for trial takes time, and court caseloads cannot be avoided. For this reason, the ultimate decision to go to trial is yours.
What are the costs and fees associated with pursuing my case?
There are two types of costs associated with any case – the attorney’s fee and related costs. The attorney’s fee is contingent upon the amount you recover. You do not pay any fees during the course of your claim. Upon receipt of your recovery, you will be asked to pay one-third of the total recovery.
In addition, our office will pay certain costs of preparing your case on your behalf. These costs are typically associated with the collection of medical records, written reports from doctors and fees charged to us for depositions, experts and court filing fees. An itemization of these costs is provided to you when your claim is concluded and need to be paid by you out of your portion of the recovery.
What about medical bills?
Do not let the issue of paying medical bills prevent you from seeking the treatment you need to recover. You may use your health insurance benefits. In addition, you may have a benefit on your auto insurance policy called “medical payments coverage.” You may also be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid. If none of these options exists, please contact us to explore other options available to you.
Out-of-pocket expenses you incur will be reimbursed when settling your claim. In addition, any payments made by your insurance companies on your behalf may also need to be reimbursed out of any recovery you make. Any unpaid medical bills will also need to be paid out of your recovery.
What if the insurance company contacts me?
Please do not give information regarding your claim to insurance adjusters from your carrier or the liability carrier. Do not give a written or recorded statement or sign any document or check pertaining to your claim without contacting our office first. You may inform the insurance adjuster that you have hired an attorney and request the adjuster contact your attorney directly.
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**Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories - legal ability and general ethical standards.
